Data communication system, device for executing ic card function, control method for the device, and information processing terminal

ABSTRACT

A communication device includes an analog unit that processes an analog signal received from an antenna unit which performs a contactless communication with an external device. The communication device also includes a wired interface that connects to an information processing terminal through a wire. In addition, the communication device includes a digital control unit that manages a communication mode set between the external device and the information processing terminal and controls a communication path between the external device and the information processing terminal according to a present communication mode.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. Ser. No. 13/172,296, filed Jun. 29, 2011,which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/993,315, filed Feb. 27,2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,480. The entire contents of all of thosedocuments are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Ser. No. 11/993,315is a national stage of PCT Application No. PCT/JP06/312247, filed Jun.19, 2006, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 fromJapanese Patent Application JP2005-185586, filed on Jun. 24, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a data communication system fortransmitting data between equipments making use of a contactlessinterface, a device for executing an IC card function, and a method ofcontrolling the device as well as an information processing terminal,and more particularly, to a data communication system for transmittingdata between an equipment which can access to the contactless interfaceand an equipment connected to the contactless interface through wire, adevice for executing an IC card function, and a method of controllingthe device as well as an information processing terminal.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a cardreading/writing device for accessing to an IC card function unit througha contactless interface, a data communication system for transmittingdata between information terminals each of which is connected to the ICcard function unit through wire or incorporates an IC chip, a device forexecuting an IC card function, and a method of controlling the device aswell as an information processing terminal, and more particularly, to adevice having a card reading/writing function, a data communicationsystem for transmitting data at high speed between information terminalseach of which is connected to the IC card function unit through wire orincorporates an IC chip, a device for executing an IC card function, anda method of controlling the device as well as an information processingterminal.

BACKGROUND ART

Contactless/proximity communication systems represented by an IC cardhave become widespread because they can be simply and convenientlymanipulated. The IC card is ordinarily used by a user in such a mannerthat the user approaches the IC card to a card reading/writing device.The card reading/writing device polls an IC card at all times, and whenit discovers an external IC card, a communication operation startsbetween the card reading/writing device and the external IC card. When,for example, a private code and other individual authentificationinformation, the value information of an electronic ticket and the likeare stored to an IC card, authentification processing for visitors andpassengers can be executed in a cash dispenser, an entrance door of aconcert hall, a ticket gate of a station, and the like.

Recently, as a miniaturization technology is improved, an IC card havinga relatively large amount of memory capacity appears. According to an ICcard having a large amount of memory capacity, one IC card can be usedto a plurality of applications by extending a file system on a memoryspace and storing a plurality of applications at the same time. When,for example, a plurality of applications such as electronic money forexecuting electronic settlement, an electronic ticket for coming in aparticular concert hall, and the like are stored on one IC card, the oneIC card can be applied to various applications. The electronic money andthe electronic ticket to which reference is made here indicate aconstruction which is settled (electronically) through electronic dataissued according to a fund presented by a user or the electronic dataitself.

Further, the IC card and the card reader/writer (card reading/writingdevice), which includes a wired interface to be connected to an externalequipment in addition to the wireless and contactless interface, can beused by being built in respective equipments such as a mobile terminal,PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), CE (Consumer Electronics) equipment,personal computer, and the like. That is, when these equipments areprovided with the function of any one or both of the IC card and thecard reading/writing device, it is possible to execute a general-purposebidirectional proximity data communication using a contactlesscommunication technology making use of the IC card. Since an IC cardtechnology has a tamper resistance because it is difficult to copy oralter the information in an IC card, this kind of proximity datacommunication can realize high-level security.

There is proposed, for example, a communication system among threecomponents which is executed between a card reading/writing device andan information processing terminal, which is connected to an IC card oran IC chip through a wired interface, by interposing the IC card or theIC chip therebetween (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1). In thesystem, a data communication is executed among the reading/writingdevice, a program controller disposed in the information processingterminal, a wireless communication interface built in the informationprocessing terminal for executing a wireless communication to thereading/writing device, a wired communication interface to be connectedto the program controller, and the IC card with a memory.

The IC chip built in the information processing terminal has a wirelesscommunication mode for executing transaction through the wirelesscommunication interface in response to the carrier wave detected fromthe reading/writing device and a wired communication mode for executingtransaction through the wired communication interface in response to thestart of an internal power supply in the information processingterminal. In the wired communication mode, the program controller of theinformation processing terminal can issue an activate command fortemporarily switching the wired communication mode to the wirelesscommunication mode and a not activate command for returning the wirelesscommunication mode, which is temporarily made effective, to the wiredcommunication mode. On the other hand, in the wireless communicationmode, an external card reading/writing device issues a second activatecommand for temporarily switching the wireless communication mode to thewired communication mode and a second not activate command for returningthe wired communication mode, which is temporarily made effective, tothe wireless communication mode.

In the wired communication mode, after the information processingterminal issues the activate command, temporarily shifts to the wirelesscommunication mode, and writes data from the external cardreading/writing device to the IC chip, it issues the not activatecommand this time, returns to the wired communication mode, and readsthe data written to the IC chip to thereby transmit the data from theexternal card reading/writing device to the information processingterminal through the IC card. Further, after the information processingterminal writes data to the IC card, it issues the activate command,temporarily shifts to the wireless communication mode. Then, after theexternal card reading/writing device reads the data from the IC chip,the information processing terminal issues the not activate command thistime and returns to the wired communication mode to thereby transmit thedata therefrom to the external card reading/writing device through theIC card.

On the other hand, in the wireless communication mode, the external cardreading/writing device issues the second activate command, temporarilyshifts to the wired communication mode, and writes data from theinformation processing terminal to the IC chip. Then, the external cardreading/writing device issues the second not activate command this time,returns to the wireless communication mode, and reads the data writtento the IC chip to thereby transmit the data from the informationprocessing terminal to the external card reading/writing device throughthe IC card. Further, after the external card reading/writing devicewrites data to the IC card, it issues the second activate command,temporarily shifts to the wired communication mode. Then, after theinformation processing terminal reads the data from the IC chip, theexternal card reading/writing device issues the second not activatecommand this time and returns to the wireless communication mode tothereby transmit the data from the external card reading/writing deviceto the information processing terminal through the IC card.

According to the communication system as described above, a secure datacommunication can be realized between an equipment having a cardreading/writing function and the information processing terminalconnected to the IC card through wire making use of a contactless datacommunication path realized by interposing the IC card.

On the other hand, since a conventional contactless IC cardcommunication protocol employs such a procedure that when a command istransmitted, a response is received, it is not suitable to transmit arelatively large amount of data such as image data at high speedalthough it is suitable to securely transfer relatively short text datasuch as URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

Further, when it is considered to send data from the cardreading/writing device side to the information processing terminal side,the interposed IC card does not have a mechanism for notifying that thedata transmitted to the information processing terminal is received bythe contactless interface through the wired interface. Accordingly,since the information processing terminal can not detect or confirm atonce whether or not the IC card receives the data sent to it, a problemarises also in that it is difficult to synchronize transmitted data onthe card reading/writing device side.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application    Publication No. 2003-203212

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent datacommunication system capable of preferably executing a data transferbetween an equipment, which can access to a contactless interface, andan equipment, which is connected to the contactless interface throughwire, a device for executing an IC function and a method of controllingthe device as well as an information processing terminal.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellentdata communication system capable of preferably executing a secure datatransfer between a card reading/writing device, which accesses to an ICcard function unit through a contactless interface, and an informationterminal, which is connected to the IC card function unit through wireor incorporates an IC chip, a device for executing an IC function and amethod of controlling the device as well as an information processingterminal.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide anexcellent data communication system capable of transmitting a largeamount of data at high speed between a device having a cardreading/writing function and an information terminal, which is connectedto an IC card function unit through wire or incorporates an IC chip, adevice for executing an IC function and a method of controlling thedevice as well as an information processing terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

A first aspect of the present invention, which was made in view of theabove problems, is a data communication system for executing a datacommunication among an IC card function execution unit having a memory,a card reading/writing device capable of communicating with the IC cardfunction execution unit through a contactless interface, and aninformation processing terminal capable of communicating with the ICcard function execution unit through a wired interface by interposingthe IC card function execution unit, and the data communication systemis characterized by including a first communication means for causingthe card reading/writing device to execute a data transfer operation tothe memory in the IC card function execution unit through thecontactless interface or causing the information processing terminal toexecute a data transfer operation to the memory in the IC card functionexecution unit through the wired interface, a second communication meansfor executing a data transfer between the card reading/writing deviceand the information processing terminal on a communication path composedof the contactless interface and the wired interface through the IC cardfunction execution unit interposed therebetween and a communicationcontrol means for executing a communication operation using any of thefirst or second communication means.

However, the “system”, to which reference is made here, is composed of aplurality of devices (or function modules for realizing specificfunctions), and it is not particularly a problem whether the respectivedevices and function modules are disposed in a single housing (this isalso applied to the following description).

The present invention relates to a communication system among threecomponents having an IC chip interposed between a device having a cardreading/writing function and an information processing terminal, whichis connected to the IC chip having an IC card function. Note thatalthough the IC chip as a contactless IC card function execution unithas a data transmission/reception function and a data processing unit,an RF analog/front end and a logic circuit (protocol control, RFmodulation/demodulation, command processing, cipher processing, memorymanagement) may be composed of one chip or may composed at least twoseparate chips in which the RF analog front end is separated from thelogic circuit. Further, the IC chip includes a built-in type and an SIMcard type. In the following description, these IC chips may be simplycalled an “IC card function execution unit” as a generic term.

Since an IC card technology has a tamper resistance because it isdifficult to copy or alter the information in an IC card, this kind ofthe communication system among three components can realize high-levelsecurity.

However, since a conventional contactless IC card communication protocolemploys such a procedure that when a command is transmitted, it receivesa response, the conventional contactless IC card communication protocolis not suitable to transfer a relatively large amount of data at highspeed. Further, since the conventional contactless IC card communicationprotocol does not have a mechanism for the IC card to notify theinformation processing terminal of that there is received data to theinformation processing terminal, it cannot confirms whether or not theinformation processing terminal receives data, from which a problem alsoarises in that it is difficult to synchronize transmitted data on thecard reading/writing device side.

In contrast, in the communication system according to the presentinvention, The information processing terminal defines a data transferstate for permitting a contactless data communication through the ICcard function unit and a data not transfer state for not permitting thecontactless data communication so that the IC card function unit managesthe communication state of the information processing terminal. Whendata is sent from the card reading/writing device through thecontactless interface, the IC card function execution unit directlytransmits the received data to the information processing terminalthrough the wired interface only in the data transfer state. Further,when data is sent from the information processing terminal through thewired interface, the IC card function execution unit directly transmitsthe received data to the card reading/writing device through contactlessinterface only in the data transfer state.

As described above, since the IC card function execution unit, which isinterposed between the card reading/writing device and the informationprocessing terminal, can transfer data to the terminal side depending onwhether it is in the data transfer state or in the data not transferstate without depending on a notification from the informationprocessing terminal, synchronization can be easily established, atransfer speed can be increased, and a large amount of data can betransmitted.

Further, the wired interface has a very low rate of occurrence of erroras compared with the contactless interface and thus has highreliability. Accordingly, when data is transmitted on the contactlessinterface, although the IC card function execution unit returns aresponse to a command, a data transfer processing speed can be moreincreased by omitting a procedure for returning the response to thecommand when data is transmitted on the wired interface.

In the communication system among three components according to thepresent invention, the IC card function unit interposed between the cardreading/writing device and the information processing terminal has adata transfer function in “an Ad-hoc communication mod” as a secondcommunication means in addition to a data transfer function in “anordinary communication mode” as a first communication means forexecuting an ordinary access operation to the memory in the IC cardfunction unit. In the Ad-hoc communication mode, when data is sent fromthe card reading/writing device through the contactless interface, theIC card function unit directly transmits the received data to theinformation processing terminal through the wired interface. Further,when data is sent from the information processing terminal through thewired interface, the IC card function unit directly transmits thereceived data to the card reading/writing device.

In the Ad-hoc communication mode, since the information processingterminal is in “a data transfer state, in which it can receive the datareceived by the IC card function unit through the contactless interfaceas it is. That is, in the Ad-hoc communication mode, since the IC cardfunction unit can directly transfer data without depending on thenotification from the information processing terminal, synchronizationcan be easily established, a transfer speed can be increased, and alarge amount of data can be transmitted. The data transfer from the cardreading/writing device in this case is a data transfer to theinformation processing terminal having a different communicationinterface through the IC card function execution unit different fromwriting of data to IC card, and further a data transfer to the cardreading/writing device having a different communication interface.

Further, a second aspect of the present invention is a device forexecuting an IC card function which is characterized by including amemory, a contactless interface capable of communicating with a cardreading/writing device, a wired interface connected to an informationprocessing terminal through wire, and a control means for controlling anaccess operation to the memory and a communication operation through thecontactless interface and the wired interface, wherein the control meansmanages a communication mode set between the card reading/writing deviceand the information processing terminal and controls the operation of acommunication path between the card reading/writing device and theinformation processing terminal according to a present communicationmode.

Further, a third aspect of the present invention is an informationprocessing terminal which is characterized by comprising an IC cardfunction execution unit comprising an contactless interface, a memory,and a wired interface, a user input/output means and a program controlmeans for controlling a processing operation according to acommunication operation with the IC card function execution unit throughthe wired interface and a user interaction through the user input/outputmeans, wherein the program control means has a data transfer state forpermitting a data transfer to the IC card function execution unitthrough the wired interface and a data not transfer state for notpermitting a data transfer to the IC card function execution unitthrough the wired interface.

The device for executing the IC card function according to the secondaspect of the present invention can operate as the IC card functionexecution unit in the data communication system according to the firstaspect of the present invention. In the device, the RF analog/front endand the logic circuit (protocol control, RF modulation/demodulation,command processing, cipher processing, memory management) may becomposed of one chip or may composed at least two separate chips inwhich the RF analog front end is separated from the logic circuit.Further, the IC chip includes the built-in type and the SIM card type.

The IC card function execution unit can realize a similar transfercontrol in a communication system composed of a wireless network and awired network by providing a hub with the same function when the hub hasa contactless IC card interface to a card reading/writing device and awired interface to an information processing terminal as well as has awireless LAN function and a wired LAN function.

Further, the information processing terminal according to the thirdaspect of the present invention can operate as an information processingterminal capable of communicating with the IC card function executionunit through the wired interface in the data communication systemaccording to the first aspect of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

According to the present invention, there can be provided the excellentdata communication system capable of preferably executing a securetransfer between the card reading/writing device which accesses to theto the IC card function unit through the contactless interface and theinformation terminal which is connected to the IC card function unitthrough wire or incorporates the IC chip, a device for executing the ICcard function and the method of controlling the device as well as theinformation processing terminal.

Further, according to the present invention, there can be provided theexcellent data communication system capable of transmitting a largeamount of data at high speed between the device having the cardreading/writing function and the information terminal which is connectedto the IC card function unit through wire or incorporates the IC chip, adevice for executing the IC card function and the method of controllingthe device as well as the information processing terminal.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description based on the embodiment ofpresent invention described later and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view conceptually showing a construction of a wirelesscommunication between a card reading/writing device and an IC cardfunction execution unit based on electromagnetic induction.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a system modeled as one transformer which iscomposed of a card reading/writing device and an IC card.

FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing the arrangement of a contactlessIC card communication system.

FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing the hardware arrangement of an ICcard function execution unit according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the state transition of an IC card interposedbetween a card reading/writing device and an information processingterminal in a communication system among three components.

FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing an operation sequence of thecommunication system among three components to access to the IC cardfunction execution unit in an ordinary communication mode.

FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing an operation sequence of thecommunication system among three components to access to the IC cardfunction execution unit in an Ad-hoc communication mode.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an operation sequence in which the cardreading/writing device requests an Ad-hoc communication to the IC cardfunction execution unit.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an operation sequence when the informationprocessing terminal accepts an Ad-hoc communication start mode.

FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing an operation sequence of thecommunication system among three components in the Ad-hoc communicationmode.

FIG. 11 is a view schematically showing an operation sequence of thecommunication system of the three components in the Ad-hoc communicationmode.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an operation sequence of the communicationsystem among the three components when the IC card function executionunit transits from the Ad-hoc communication mode to the ordinarycommunication mode.

FIG. 13 is a view schematically showing a functional arrangement forcontrolling the state transition shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an operation flow for starting an Ad-hoccommunication by a control arrangement shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an operation flow for executing the Ad-hoccommunication by the control arrangement shown in FIG. 13.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 . . . card reading/writing device

2 . . . IC card function execution unit

3 . . . controller

101 . . . antenna unit

102 . . . analog unit

103 . . . digital controller

104 . . . memory

105 . . . external interface

110 . . . mobile terminal

111 . . . program controller

112 . . . display unit

113 . . . user input unit

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detailreferring to the drawings.

The present invention relates to a communication system among threecomponents having a contactless IC card function interposed between adevice having a card reading/writing function and an informationprocessing terminal, which is connected to an IC card function unitthrough a wired interface or having an IC chip built therein.

The IC chip, on which the contactless IC card function is mounted, maycompose an RF analog front end and a logic circuit (protocol control, RFmodulation/demodulation, command processing, cipher processing, memorymanagement) of one chip or may compose them of at least two chips inwhich the RF analog front end is separated from the logic circuit. Inthe following description, these IC chips are simply called an “IC card”as a generic term. Further, the IC chip includes a built-in type and anSIM card type. In the following description, the IC card and the IC chipare also called an “IC card function execution unit” as a whole.

Since an IC card technology has a tamper resistance because it isdifficult to copy or alter the information in an IC card, this kind ofthe communication system among three components can realize high-levelsecurity. First, the construction of a contactless data communicationmaking use of the IC card function execution unit will be explained.

A wireless communication between a card reading/writing device and theIC card function execution unit is realized based on, for example, theprinciple of electromagnetic induction. FIG. 1 conceptually shows theconstruction of the wireless communication between the cardreading/writing device and the IC card function execution unit based onthe electromagnetic induction. The card reading/writing device includesan antenna L_(RW) composed of a loop coil, and a magnetic field isgenerated in the vicinity of the antenna L_(RW) by causing a currentI_(RW) to flow thereto. On the other hand, a loop coil L_(C) iselectrically formed in the vicinity of the IC card function executionunit on the IC card function execution unit side. An induction voltage,which is generated by the magnetic field generated by the loop-antennaL_(C) on the card reading/writing device side, is generated to the endof the loop coil L_(C) on the IC card function execution unit side andinput to a terminal of the IC card function execution unit connected tothe end of the loop coil L_(C).

Although the degree of coupling of the antenna L_(RW) on the cardreading/writing device side and the loop coil L_(C) on the IC cardfunction execution unit side varies depending on the positional relationtherebetween, it can be understood that one transformer is formed as asystem, and thus the read/write operation of the IC card can be modeledas shown in FIG. 2.

When the current I_(RW), which is caused to flow to the antenna L_(RW),is modulated, on the card reading/writing device, the voltage V₀ inducedto the loop coil L_(C) on the IC chip is modulated, and the cardreading/writing device can transmit data to the IC card functionexecution unit making use of the above modulation.

Further, the IC card function execution unit has a function (LoadSwitching) for varying the load between the terminals of the loop coilL_(C) according to the data to be returned to the card reading/writingdevice. When the load between the terminals of the loop coil L_(C)varies, the impedance between the antenna terminals varies on the cardreading/writing device side, which appears as the variations of thecurrent I_(RW) passing through the antenna L_(RW) and the voltage V_(RW)thereof. The card reading/writing device can receive the data returnedfrom the IC card function execution unit by demodulating the variedcomponents.

That is, when the IC card function execution unit varies the loadbetween the antennas thereof in response to the response signal to thequery signal from the reading/writing device, the IC card functionexecution unit can execute a communication by applying an amplitudemodulation to the signal appearing to a receiving circuit on the cardreading/writing device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the contactless card system itself is composed ofthe card reading/writing device 1, the IC card function execution unit2, and a controller 3, and data is transmitted and received between thecard reading/writing device 1 and the IC card 2 making used of anelectromagnetic wave. That is, the card reading/writing device 1transmits a predetermined command to the IC card function execution unit2, and the IC card function execution unit 2 executes processingcorresponding to the received command. Then, the IC card functionexecution unit 2 transmits response data corresponding to the result ofprocessing to the card reading/writing device 1.

The card reading/writing device 1 is connected to the controller 3through a predetermined interface (which is based on, for example,RS-485A standard and the like). The controller 3 supplies a controlsignal to the card reading/writing device 1 to thereby cause it toexecute predetermined processing to the IC card function execution unit2.

In the communication system among three components according to thepresent invention, the IC card function execution unit is provided witha wired interface to be connected to an external equipment, in additionto the wireless and contactless interface and can be used by being builtin or connected through wire to mobile terminals such as a mobileterminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), CE (Consumer Electronics)equipment, and the like (or to information processing terminals such asa personal computer and the like).

FIG. 4 schematically shows the hardware arrangement of this type of theIC card function execution unit. As shown in the drawing, the IC cardfunction execution unit is composed of an analog unit 102 connected toan antenna unit 101, a digital controller 103, a memory 104, and anexternal interface 105 and built is a mobile terminal 110. The IC cardfunction execution unit may be composed of one chip semiconductorintegrated circuit or two chip semiconductor integrated circuit in whichan RF analog front end is separated from a logic circuit unit.

The antenna unit 101 executes a contactless data transmission/receptionbetween it and the not shown card reading/writing device.

The analog unit 102 executes processings of the analog signaltransmitted from and received by the antenna unit 101 such as detection,modulation/demodulation, clock extraction, and the like. They constitutethe contactless interface between the IC card function execution unitand the card reading/writing device.

The digital controller 103 integrally controls the processing oftransmission/reception data and the other operations executed in the ICcard function execution unit. The digital controller 103 is locallyconnected to the memory 104 which can be addressed. The memory 104 iscomposed of a non-volatile memory device such as an EEPROM (ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and the like and can be used tostore the user data of electronic money, an electronic ticket, and thelike, to write a program code executed by the digital controller 103,and to store job data being executed.

In the embodiment, the IC card function execution unit has an ordinarycommunication mode for controlling the ordinary access operation fromthe card reading/writing device to the memory 104 in the IC cardfunction execution unit and an Ad-hoc communication mode interposedbetween the direct data transfers of the card reading/writing devicehaving a different interface protocol and the mobile terminal. Althoughthe digital controller 103 also controls the state transition betweenthese mode according to an external event as well as controls acommunication operation in the respective communication modes, whichwill be described later in detail.

The external interface 105 is a function module for the digitalcontroller 103 to be connected to a device such as the mobile terminal110 and the like by an interface protocol different from the contactlessinterface connected to the card reading/writing device (not shown). Thedata written to the memory 104 can be transmitted to the mobile terminal110 through the external interface 105.

When a communication is executed to the card reading/writing device, thedata received from the card reading/writing device is transmitted to themobile terminal 110 through the external interface 105 as it is, afterit is converted by an appropriate conversion rule, or after it isconverted to another packet structure. On the contrary, the datareceived from the mobile terminal 110 through the external interface 105is transmitted to card reading/writing device as it is, after it isconverted by an appropriate conversion rule, or after it is converted toanother packet structure.

In the embodiment, it is assumed that the IC card function executionunit is used by being built in the mobile terminal 110 as a mobileterminal, and a wired interface such as UART (Universal AsynchronousReceiver Transmitter) is used as the external interface 105.

The IC card function execution unit can be driven by the energy obtainedfrom the signal received from the card reading/writing device through,for example, the antenna unit 101. It is needless to say that the ICcard function execution unit may be partly or wholly operated by thepower supplied through the wired interface 105 on the mobile terminal110 side.

Further, it is assumed that a hardware signal line (to be describedlater) is included in the wired interface 105 for the IC card functionexecution unit to notify the mobile terminal 110 side that it receivesan Ad-hoc communication request command for requesting to transfer datafrom the card reading/writing device.

The mobile terminal 110 corresponds to a mobile terminal, for example, amobile terminal, PDA, personal-computer (PC), and the like. The mobileterminal 110 is composed of a program controller 111, a display unit112, and a user input unit 113.

The program controller 111 is composed of, for example, amicroprocessor, RAM, and ROM (any of which is not shown in FIG. 4), andthe microprocessor executes various processing services using the RAM asa working region according to the program code stored in the ROM. Theprocessing services include a processing to the IC card functionexecution unit in addition to the intrinsic function of the mobileterminal 110 such as the mobile terminal and the like. It is needless tosay that the program controller 111 may include an external memorydevice such as a hard disc and the like and other peripheral devices.

In the embodiment, the program controller 111 defines a data transferstate, in which the mobile terminal 110 permits a contactless datacommunication through the IC card function execution unit and a non-datatransfer state in which the mobile terminal 110 does not permit thecontactless data communication so that the IC card function executionunit manages the communication state of the mobile terminal 110.

Note that in the arrangement example shown in FIG. 4, although theantenna unit 101 for the contactless IC card interface is mounted in theIC chip as the IC card function execution unit, the antenna unit 101 isnot limited thereto. There is also considered a mounting mode in which,for example, the antenna unit 101 is externally attached to an IC chipmodule or the antenna unit 101 is disposed to the mobile terminal 101side in which the IC chip module is built in.

Since the IC card technology has a tamper resistance because it isdifficult to copy or alter the information in an IC card, thecommunication system among three components making use of thecontactless interface can realize high-level security. However, since aconventional contactless IC card communication protocol employs such aprocedure that when a command is transmitted, a response is received,the it is not suitable to transfer a relatively large amount of data athigh speed. Further, since the conventional contactless IC cardcommunication protocol does not have a mechanism for an IC card tonotify the mobile terminal 110 of that data to the mobile terminal 110is received, it cannot confirm whether or not the mobile terminal 110receives the data, from which a problem also arises in that it isdifficult to synchronize transmitted data on the card reading/writingdevice side.

In contrast, in the communication system according to the presentinvention, the program controller 111 defines data transfer state, inwhich the mobile terminal 110 permits the contactless data communicationthrough the IC card function execution unit and the non-data transferstate in which the mobile terminal 110 does not permit the contactlessdata communication so that the IC card function execution unit managesthe communication state of the mobile terminal 110. When data is sentfrom the card reading/writing device through the contactless interface,the IC card function execution unit directly transmits the received datato the mobile terminal through the wired interface only in the datatransfer state. Further, when data is sent from the mobile terminal 110through the wired interface, the IC card function execution unitdirectly transmits the received data to the card reading/writing devicethrough contactless interface only in the data transfer state.

As described above, since the IC card function execution unit, which isinterposed between the card reading/writing device and the mobileterminal 110, can transfer data to the terminal side depending onwhether it is in the data transfer state or in the data not transferstate without depending on a notification from the mobile terminal 110,synchronization can be easily established, a transfer speed can beincreased, and a large amount of data can be transmitted.

Further, the wired interface has a very low rate of occurrence of erroras compared with the contactless interface and thus has highreliability. Accordingly, when data is transmitted on the contactlessinterface, although the IC card function execution unit returns aresponse to a command, a data transfer processing speed can be moreincreased by omitting a procedure for returning the response to thecommand when data is transmitted on the wired interface.

A communication operation in the communication system among threecomponents according to the present invention will be explained below indetail.

FIG. 5 is a state transition view of the IC card function execution unitinterposed between the card reading/writing device and the informationprocessing terminal in the communication system among three components.As shown in the drawing, the IC card function execution unit has “theordinary communication mode” corresponding to the data not transferstate and “the Ad-hoc communication mode” corresponding to the datatransfer state. The state transition operation is controlled by thedigital controller 103 in the IC card function execution unit accordingto the external event.

In the ordinary communication mode, the ordinary access operation isexecuted to the IC card function execution unit. FIG. 6 schematicallyshows an operation sequence of the communication system among threecomponents for accessing the IC card function execution unit in theordinary communication mode. When the card reading/writing device hasdata to be written to the IC card function execution unit or data to beread out from the IC card function execution unit, after the cardreading/writing device establishes a session by a predeterminedauthentification procedure through the contactless interface (notshown), it transmits a data transfer command (Transmit Data Command) andwrites data to or reads out data from the IC card function executionunit. Further, when the mobile terminal has data to be written to the ICcard function execution unit or data to be read out from the IC cardfunction execution unit, after the mobile terminal establishes a sessionby a predetermined authentification procedure through the wiredinterface (not shown), it transmits a data transfer command and writesdata to or reads out data from the IC card function execution unit.

The communication procedure of the communication among three componentsthrough the IC card function execution unit in the ordinarycommunication mode is executed according to, for example, thecommunication method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2003-203212 and already assigned to the applicant.

That is, the mobile terminal issues an activate command, temporarilyshifts from the wired communication mode to the wireless communicationmode, writes data from the card reading/writing device to the IC cardfunction execution unit. Then, the mobile terminal issues a not activatecommand, returns to the wired communication mode, and reads the datawritten to the IC card function execution unit to thereby transfer thedata from the card reading/writing device to the mobile terminal throughthe IC card function execution unit. Further, after the mobile terminalwrites data to the IC card function execution unit, it issues anactivate command, and temporarily shifts to the wireless communicationmode, and the card reading/writing device reads data from the IC cardfunction execution unit. Then, the mobile terminal issues a not activatecommand this time, and returns to the wired communication mode tothereby transfer the data from the mobile terminal to the cardreading/writing device through the IC card function execution unit.

Further, in the ordinary communication mode, the card reading/writingdevice issues a second activate command, temporarily shifts from thewireless communication mode to the wired communication mode, and writedata from the mobile terminal to the IC card function execution unit.Then, the card reading/writing device issues a second not activatecommand this time, returns to the wireless communication mode, and readsthe data written to the IC card function execution unit to therebytransmit the data from the mobile terminal to the card reading/writingdevice through the IC card function execution unit. Further, after thecard reading/writing device writes data to the IC card functionexecution unit, it issues a second activate command, and temporarilyshifts to the wired communication mode, and the mobile terminal readsthe data from the IC card function execution unit. Then, the cardreading/writing device issues a second not activate command this timeand returns to the wireless communication mode to thereby transfer thedata from the card reading/writing device to the mobile terminal throughthe IC card function execution unit.

As described above, in the ordinary communication mode, the IC cardfunction execution unit does not directly transmits the data receivedfrom the card reading/writing device through the contactless interfaceto the mobile terminal through the wired interface and does not directlytransfer the data received from the mobile terminal through the wiredinterface to the card reading/writing device through the contactlessinterface. In other words, the data transmission executed between thecard reading/writing device and the mobile terminal through the IC cardfunction execution unit is not synchronized. In the ordinarycommunication mode, the mobile terminal is in “the data not transferstate” in which it does not receive the data received by the IC cardfunction execution unit through the contactless interface as it is.

In contrast, in the Ad-hoc communication mode, when data is transmittedfrom the card reading/writing device through the contactless interface,the IC card function execution unit directly transmits the received datato the mobile terminal through the wired interface. Further, when datais transmitted from the mobile terminal through the wired interface, theIC card function execution unit directly transmits the received data tothe card reading/writing device through the contactless interface.

In the Ad-hoc communication mode, the mobile terminal is in “the datatransfer state” in which the mobile terminal can receive the data, whichis received by the IC card function execution unit through thecontactless interface, as it is. That is, in the Ad-hoc communicationmode, since the IC card function execution unit can directly executes adata transfer without depending on the notification from the mobileterminal, synchronization can be easily established, a transfer speedcan be increased, and the transfer of a large amount of data can berealized.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an operation sequence for executing acommunication among three components in the Ad-hoc communication mode.

When transfer data exists, the card reading/writing device transmits adata transfer command after it establishes a session by a predeterminedauthentification procedure through the contactless interface (notshown).

After the IC card function execution unit subjects the data transfercommand from the card reading/writing device to a predetermined protocolconversion, it transfers the data transfer command to the mobileterminal through the wired interface. The data transfer from the cardreading/writing device in this case is a data transfer to the mobileterminal having a different communication interface through the IC cardfunction execution unit different from writing of data to the memory inthe IC card function execution unit.

Further, when the transfer data exists, the mobile terminal transmits adata transfer command after it establishes a session by a predeterminedauthentification procedure through the wired interface (not shown).

After the IC card function execution unit subjects the data transfercommand from the mobile terminal to a predetermined protocol conversion,the IC card function execution unit transfers the data transfer commandto the card reading/writing device through the contactless interface.The data transfer from the mobile terminal communication interface inthis case is a data transfer to the card reading/writing device havingthe different communication interface through the IC card functionexecution unit different from writing of data to the memory in the ICcard function execution unit.

Note that as shown in FIG. 7, the IC card function execution unitreceives data transfer command from the card reading/writing devicethrough the contactless interface and transfers the data transfercommand to the mobile terminal through the wired interface and at thesame time returns a data transfer response to the card reading/writingdevice. On the other hand, the IC card function execution unit receivesa data transfer command from the mobile terminal through the wiredinterface, and when the IC card function execution unit desires totransfer it to the card reading/writing device through the contactlessinterface, the IC card function execution unit does not returns aresponse. This is for the purpose of executing transfer processing athigher speed by omitting a procedure for returning a response becausethe wired interface has a very low rate of occurrence of error during adata transfer and a high reliability as compared with the contactlessinterface.

When the IC card function execution unit receives an Ad-hoccommunication request command (Propose Ad-hoc Command) from the cardreading/writing device side in the ordinary communication mode, ittemporarily shifts to the Ad-hoc communication mode (refer to FIG. 5).

FIG. 8 shows an operation sequence for the card reading/writing deviceto request an Ad-hoc communication to the IC card function executionunit. When the card reading/writing device desires to transfer data tothe mobile terminal, it creates an arbitrary session number andtransmits the Ad-hoc communication request command to the IC cardfunction execution unit.

The wired interface for connecting the IC card function execution unitto the mobile terminal includes the hardware signal line for notifyingthe mobile terminal side that the IC card function execution unitreceives the Ad-hoc communication request command, which requests a datatransfer, from the card reading/writing device (described above). The ICcard function execution unit in the ordinary communication mode shiftsthe signal line from a low level to a high level in response to that itreceives the command to thereby prompt the mobile terminal to transitits state, and waits that an acceptance command is returned.

When the IC card function execution unit receives the acceptance fromthe mobile terminal within a predetermined period from the time at whichit transfers an Ad-hoc communication start command, it shifts to theAd-hoc communication mode. On the other hand, when the IC card functionexecution unit cannot confirm the acceptance within the predeterminedperiod, it returns to the ordinary communication mode (refer to FIG. 5).

FIG. 9 shows an operation sequence when the mobile terminal accepts anAd-hoc communication start mode. The mobile terminal recognizes that anAd-hoc communication request occurs by detecting that a specific signalline in the wired interface to the IC card function execution unitshifts from a low-level to a high-level.

When the mobile terminal permits an Ad-hoc communication, that is, adata transfer to the card reading/writing device through the IC cardfunction execution unit, the mobile terminal itself shifts from the datanot transfer state to the data transfer state, and returns an Ad-hoccommunication start command (Start Ad-hoc Command) to the IC cardfunction execution unit.

When the IC card function execution unit receives the Ad-hoccommunication start command from the mobile terminal, it shifts to theAd-hoc communication mode and returns an Ad-hoc communication startresponse from the wired interface to the mobile terminal as well asreturns an Ad-hoc communication request response from the contactlessinterface to the card reading/writing device. Further, the IC cardfunction execution unit stores the session number included in the Ad-hoccommunication start command.

Note that although not shown, The Ad-hoc communication in thecommunication system among three components can be also started byissuing the Ad-hoc communication start command from the mobile terminalside through the wired communication interface.

In the Ad-hoc communication mode, the mobile terminal is in “the datatransfer state” in which it can receive the data, which is received bythe IC card function execution unit through the contactless interface,as it is. The IC card function execution unit keeps the Ad-hoccommunication mode as long as a data transfer command continues from themobile terminal or the card reading/writing device (refer to FIG. 5).

After the IC card function execution unit subjects the data transfercommand from the card reading/writing device to the predeterminedprotocol conversion, the IC card function execution unit transfers thecommand to the mobile terminal through the wired interface. The datatransfer from the card reading/writing device in this case is a datatransfer to the mobile terminal having the different communicationinterface through the IC card function execution unit different fromwriting of data to the IC card function execution unit.

Further, after the IC card function execution unit subjects the datatransfer command from the mobile terminal to the predetermined protocolconversion, the IC card function execution unit transfers the command tothe card reading/writing device through the contactless interface. Thedata transfer from the mobile terminal in this case is a data transferto the card reading/writing device having the different communicationinterface through the IC card function execution unit different from theordinary contactless access to the IC card function execution unit.

FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically show an operation sequence of thecommunication system among three components in the Ad-hoc communicationmode.

When the card reading/writing device receives the Ad-hoc communicationrequest response from the IC card function execution unit, it transmitsa data transfer command through the contactless interface. In contrast,when the IC card itself is in the Ad-hoc communication mode (that is,the mobile terminal is in the transfer state) as well as the sessionnumber attached to the data transfer command agrees with the sessionnumber stored when the IC card shifts to the Ad-hoc communication mode,the IC card transfers the data transfer command to the mobile terminalthrough the wired interface. Then, the IC card function execution unitreturns a data transfer response to the card reading/writing device.

Further, when the IC card function execution unit receives the datatransfer command from the mobile terminal through the wired interface,the IC card function execution unit itself is in the Ad-hoccommunication mode (that is, the mobile terminal is in the transferstate) as well as the session number attached to the data transfercommand agrees with the session number stored when the IC card functionexecution unit shifts to the Ad-hoc communication mode, the IC cardfunction execution unit transfers the data transfer command to the cardreading/writing device through the contactless interface. However, inthis case, the IC card function execution unit does not return aresponse to the mobile terminal as a data transmission source. This isfor the purpose of executing transfer processing at higher speed byomitting a procedure for returning a response because the wiredinterface has a very low rate of occurrence of error during a datatransfer and a high reliability as compared with the contactlessinterface.

Further, when the IC card function execution unit, which is in theAd-hoc communication mode, receives an Ad-hoc communication finishcommand from the card reading/writing device, it returns to the ordinarycommunication mode (refer to FIG. 5).

FIG. 12 shows an operation sequence of the communication system amongthree components when the IC card function execution unit transits fromthe Ad-hoc communication mode to the ordinary communication mode.

When the card reading/writing device has no data to be transmitted tothe mobile terminal or no data to be received from the mobile terminal,it transmits the Ad-hoc communication finish command to the IC card.

When the IC card function execution unit receives the Ad-hoccommunication finish command from the card reading/writing devicethrough the contactless interface, the IC card function execution unittransfers it to the mobile terminal through the wired interface. Themobile terminal transits from the data transfer state to the data nottransfer state in response to the command. Further, the IC card functionexecution unit itself transits to the ordinary communication mode aswell as returns an Ad-hoc communication finish response to the cardreading/writing device.

Note that although not shown, the IC card function execution unit canalso finish the Ad-hoc communication and return to the ordinarycommunication mode by issuing the Ad-hoc communication finish commandfrom the mobile terminal side through the wired communication interface.

The digital controller 103 in the IC card function execution unitcontrols the state transition shown in FIG. 5 in response to theexternal event such as the Ad-hoc communication start/finish command andthe like from the card reading/writing device. FIG. 13 schematicallyshows a functional arrangement for controlling the state transition inthe digital controller 103.

A wired communication control function unit 103-1 controls acommunication operation to the mobile terminal through the wiredinterface. Further, a wireless communication control function unit 103-2controls a communication operation to the card reading/writing devicethrough the wireless interface.

An Ad-hoc communication management function unit 103-3 controls theoperation mode of the IC card function execution unit in response to theexternal event. Specifically, the IC card function execution unittransits from the ordinary communication mode to the Ad-hoccommunication mode in response to the Ad-hoc communication start commandfrom the card reading/writing device or the mobile terminal, andfinishes the Ad-hoc communication and returns to the ordinarycommunication mode in response to the Ad-hoc communication finishcommand from the card reading/writing device or the mobile terminal.When the Ad-hoc communication management function unit 103-3 receivesthe Ad-hoc communication start command from the card reading/writingdevice, the Ad-hoc communication management function unit 103-3 directlynotifies the mobile terminal of it using a specific signal line in thewired interface without through the wired communication control functionunit 103-1.

An Ad-hoc state management function unit 103-4 keeps the presentoperation mode set by the Ad-hoc communication management function unit103-3 in a non-volatile state.

A communication path control function unit 103-5 controls the accessoperation to the IC card function execution unit through the contactlessinterface and the wired interface according to the present operationmode stored to the Ad-hoc state management function unit 103-4. Further,communication path control function unit 103-5 controls the operation ofthe communication path, which is composed of the contactless interfaceand the wired interface, between the card reading/writing device and themobile terminal.

The access in the ordinary communication mode is a data writing orreading operation to the memory 104 in the IC card function executionunit. In this case, the communication path control function unit 103-5controls the communication operation so that the memory access operationfrom the card reading/writing device through the contactless interfaceor the memory access operation from an information processing devicethrough the wired interface can be executed exclusively.

On the other hand, in an Ad-hoc communication operation mode, the accessfrom the card reading/writing device and the mobile terminal to the ICcard function execution unit is not the access to the memory 104 in theIC card function execution unit and corresponds to the direct datatransfer therebetween through the IC card function execution unit. Inthis case, the communication path control function unit 103-5 controls acommunication path such that when data is sent from the cardreading/writing device through the contactless interface, thecommunication path control function unit 103-5 directly transmits thedata to the mobile terminal through the wired interface as well as whendata is sent from the mobile terminal through the wired interface, thecommunication path control function unit 103-5 directly transmits thedata to the card reading/writing device through the contactlessinterface.

FIG. 14 shows an operation flow for starting the Ad-hoc communication bya control arrangement shown in FIG. 13.

When the wireless communication control function unit 103-2 receives anAd-hoc communication start request command (Propose Ad-hoc Command) fromthe mobile terminal through the contactless interface, the wirelesscommunication control function unit 103-2 notifies the Ad-hoc managementfunction unit 103-3 of it.

When the Ad-hoc management function unit 103-3 notifies the requestcommand of the mobile terminal using the hardware signal line, theAd-hoc management function unit 103-3 waits until it receives the Ad-hoccommunication start command.

When the mobile terminal accepts the Ad-hoc communication, it shiftsfrom the data not transfer state to the data transfer state as well asreturns the Ad-hoc communication start command through the wiredinterface.

When the wired communication control function unit 103-1 receives theAd-hoc communication start command, it notifies the Ad-hoc managementfunction unit 103-3 of the command. In response to the notified command,the Ad-hoc management function unit 103-3 transits the operation mode ofthe IC card function execution unit from the ordinary communication modeto the Ad-hoc communication mode and sets the present operation mode tothe Ad-hoc state management function unit 103-4. Further, the Ad-hocmanagement function unit 103-3 stores the session number included in theAd-hoc communication start command received from the cardreading/writing device.

Further, FIG. 15 shows an operation flow for executing the Ad-hoccommunication by the control arrangement shown in FIG. 13.

When a data transfer command is sent from the card reading/writingdevice through the wired interface, the wired communication controlfunction unit 103-1 notifies the communication path control functionunit 103-5 of the command.

The communication path control function unit 103-5 makes a query to anAd-hoc state management unit and confirms the present operation mode ofthe IC card function execution unit. When the IC card function executionunit is in the Ad-hoc communication mode as well as the session numberattached to the data transfer command agrees with the session numberstored at the time the IC card function execution unit shifts to theAd-hoc communication mode, The communication path control function unit103-5 passes the data transfer command to the wireless communicationcontrol function unit 103-2 and transfers it to the card reading/writingdevice.

Further, when a data transfer command is sent from the cardreading/writing device through the contactless interface, the wirelesscommunication control function unit 103-2 notifies the communicationpath control function unit 103-5 of the command.

The communication path control function unit 103-5 makes a query to theAd-hoc state management unit and confirms the present operation mode ofthe IC card function execution unit. When the IC card function executionunit is in the Ad-hoc communication mode as well as the session numberattached to the data transfer command agrees with the session numberstored at the time the IC card function execution unit shifts to theAd-hoc communication mode, the communication path control function unit103-5 passes a data transfer response to the wireless communicationcontrol function unit 103-2 and makes a response to the cardreading/writing device. Then, the communication path control functionunit 103-5 passes a data transfer command to the wired communicationcontrol function unit 103-1 and transfers it to the mobile terminal.

As described above, the communication system according to the presentinvention is arranged such that the mobile terminal defines the datatransfer state for permitting the contactless data communication throughthe IC card function execution unit and the data not transfer state fornot permitting the contactless data communication so that the IC cardfunction execution unit manages the communication state of the mobileterminal. Then, when data is sent to the IC card function execution unitfrom the card reading/writing device through the contactless interface,the IC card function execution unit directly transmits the received datato the mobile terminal through the wired interface only when the IC cardfunction execution is in the data transfer state. Further, when data issent to the IC card function execution unit from the mobile terminalthrough the wired interface, the IC card function execution unittransfers the received data to the card reading/writing device throughthe contactless interface only when it is in the data transfer state.

As described above, since the IC card function execution unit, which isinterposed between the card reading/writing device and the mobileterminal, can transfer data to the terminal side depending on whether itis in any of the data transfer state and the data not transfer statewithout depending on the notification from the mobile terminal,synchronization can be easily established, a transfer speed can beincreased, and a large amount of data can be transmitted.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the description, the present invention has been explained in detailreferring to the specific embodiment. However, it is apparent thatpersons skilled in the art can modify or substitute the embodimentwithin the scope which does not depart from the gist of the presentinvention.

The description has mainly described the embodiment of the communicationsystem among three components which is composed of the IC card functionexecution unit having the memory, the card reading/writing devicecapable of communicating with the IC card function execution unitthrough the contactless interface, and the information processingterminal capable of communicating with the IC card function executionunit through the wired interface, and to which the present invention isapplied. However, the gist of the present invention is not necessarilylimited thereto. It is needless to say that the present invention can beapplied to a communication system among three components arranged usinga communication interface other than the contactless interface.

For example, the IC card function execution unit can realize a similartransfer control in a communication system composed of a wirelessnetwork and a wired network by providing a hub with the same functionwhen the hub has a contactless IC card interface to a cardreading/writing device and a wired interface to an informationprocessing terminal as well as has a wireless LAN function and a wiredLAN function.

In short, since the present invention is disclosed using the example,the contents of the description should not be interpreted definitely.That is, the gist of the present invention should be judged inconsideration of the appended claims.

1. A communication device, comprising: an analog unit configured toprocess an analog signal received from an antenna unit which isconfigured to perform a contactless communication with an externaldevice; a wired interface configured to connect to an informationprocessing terminal through a wire; a digital control unit configured tomanage a communication mode set between the external device and theinformation processing terminal and to control a communication pathbetween the external device and the information processing terminalaccording to a present communication mode.
 2. The communication deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the wired interface comprises a signalline which is configured to transmit a notification signal.
 3. Thecommunication device according to claim 2, wherein the notificationsignal causes the information processing terminal to shift its transferstate.
 4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein thedigital control unit is configured to shift the communication modeaccording to a first command received from the information processingterminal through the wired interface.
 5. The communication deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the digital control unit is configured toshift the communication mode according to a second command received fromthe external device via the analog unit.
 6. The communication deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the digital control unit is configured toshift the communication mode according to a second command received fromthe external device via the analog unit
 7. The communication deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the digital control unit stores a sessionnumber for controlling a communication between the external device andthe information processing terminal.
 8. A method, comprising: processingan analog signal received from an antenna unit which is configured toperform a contactless communication with an external device; managing acommunication mode set between the external device and an informationprocessing terminal connected through a wire; and controlling acommunication path between the external device and the informationprocessing terminal according to a present communication mode.
 9. Acommunication system, comprising: an analog unit; a wired interface; anda digital control unit, wherein the analog unit is configured to processan analog signal received from an antenna unit which is configured toperform a contactless communication with an external device, the wiredinterface is configured to connect to an information processing terminalthrough a wire, and the digital control unit is configured to manage acommunication mode set between the external device and the informationprocessing terminal and to control a communication path between theexternal device and the information processing terminal according to apresent communication mode.
 10. A communication device, comprising: ananalog unit configured to process an analog signal received from anantenna unit which is configured to perform a contactless communicationwith an external device; a wired interface configured to connect to aninformation processing terminal through a wire; and a digital controlunit configured to control an access operation to a memory and acommunication operation through the analog unit and the wired interface,to manage a communication mode set between the external device and theinformation processing terminal, and to control a communication pathbetween the external device and the information processing terminalaccording to a present communication mode.
 11. The communication deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein the wired interface comprises a signalline which is configured to transmit a notification signal.
 12. Thecommunication device according to claim 11, wherein the notificationsignal causes the information processing terminal to shift its transferstate.
 13. The communication device according to claim 10, wherein thedigital control unit is configured to shift the communication modeaccording to a first command received from the information processingterminal through the wired interface.
 14. The communication deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein the digital control unit is configured toshift the communication mode according to a second command received fromthe external device via the analog unit.
 15. The communication deviceaccording to claim 13, wherein the digital control unit is configured toshift the communication mode according to a second command received fromthe external device via the analog unit.
 16. The communication deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein the digital control unit stores a sessionnumber for controlling a communication between the external device andthe information processing terminal.
 17. A method, comprising:processing an analog signal received from an antenna unit which isconfigured to perform a contactless communication with an externaldevice; controlling an access operation to a memory; managing acommunication mode set between the external device and an informationprocessing terminal connected through a wire; and controlling acommunication path between the external device and the informationprocessing terminal according to a present communication mode.
 18. Acommunication system, comprising: an analog unit; a wired interface; anda digital control unit, wherein the analog unit is configured to processan analog signal received from an antenna unit which is configured toperform a contactless communication with an external device, the wiredinterface is configured to connect to an information processing terminalthrough a wire, and the digital control unit is configured to control anaccess operation to a memory and a communication operation through theanalog unit and the wired interface, to manage a communication mode setbetween the external device and the information processing terminal, andto control a communication path between the external device and theinformation processing terminal according to a present communicationmode.